Ptilophora plumigera (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)

Host plants:
The larvae feed on Acer species, especially Acer campestre and Acer pseudoplatanus.

Habitat:
Ptilophora plumigera colonizes all areas that are interspersed with the host plant such as thickets, hedges, forest edges, forest undergrowth with young Acer pseudoplatanus, Acer-rich forests, gardens etc.

Life cycle:
Ptilophora plumigera is the only native Notodontidae that overwinters as an egg. I found such eggs in winter and early spring on young Acer pseudoplatanus trees on forest clearings, singly or in small groups (2 to 3) on the branches. The caterpillars can be found in May and June, usually on the underside of leaves. The pupa rests until autumn and the moth appears from mid-October to early December, depending on weather conditions. Rarely, few moths emerge later, even into April.

Endangerment factors:
Not endangered.

Remarks:
Ptilophora plumigera is widespread in Europe. It misses in Northern and Central Scandinavia, Southern and Central Greece and in the southern half of the Iberian Peninsula. It occurs apparently only in small, adjacent parts of Asia (Caucasus, etc.).